Storage of Blood Componants

The proper storage of blood components is critical to safe transfusion.
Blood, as a biological product, carries a risk of bacterial contamination if stored improperly. Improper storage may also affect the efficacy of blood components.

Storage of blood products outside of the transfusion service in satellite storage refrigerators carries additional monitoring requirements for hospital transfusion services. Processes must be in place to ensure satellite storage equipment is monitored, cleaned and calibrated at specified intervals.

Component

Storage Temperature Range (non-manufacturer) For how long from the date of donation?
Whole Blood, LR 1-6°C In CPDA-1 - 35 days
In CP2D - 21 days
AS-3 RBC, LR
 
1-6°C 42 days
 CPDA-1 RBC, LR  1-6°C 35 days
 Platelets. LR  20-24°C up to 5 days, if continually agitated
 Platelets Apheresis LR  20-24°C up to 5 days, if continually agitated
 Fresh Frozen Plasma, Apheresis  -18°C or colder once thawed -1-6°C frozen up to 12 months
thawed up to 24 hours
 FP, LR  -18°C or colder once thawed -1-6°C frozen up to 12 months
thawed up to 24 hours
 FFP, LR  -18°C or colder once thawed -1-6°C frozen up to 12 months
thawed up to 24 hours
 Cryoprecipitate, LR  -18°C or colder once thawed -1-6°C frozen up to 12 months
thawed up to 24 hours
 Cryosupernatant Plasma, LR  -18°C or colder once thawed -1-6°C frozen up to 12 months
thawed up to 24 hours

 Following the implementation of the Buffy Coat Production Method (BCPM), these products will also be available:

SAGM Red Blood Cells, LR 1-6°C 42 days
CPD Platelets, Pooled, LR 20-24°C up to 5 days, if continually agitated
CPD Frozen Plasma -18°C or colder
once thawed -1-6°C
frozen up to 12 months thawed up to 4 hours
CPD Cryosupernatant Plasma -18°C or colder
once thawed -1-6°C
frozen up to 12 months thawed up to 4 hours
CPD Cryoprecipitate -18°C or colder
once thawed 20-24°C
frozen - for a maximum period of 12 months
thawed - for a maximum period of 4 hours

 Further Reading

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